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Mountain Men of Suitor's Crossing #2
A Date with the Mountain Man
A small town's legend of love...
Willow is a curvy girl who dreams of being swept off her feet—to feel the heart sparks the small town of Suitor's Crossing is known for—especially after working with lovestruck brides at her friend's boutique for years. There's only one problem... No one seems to want a short woman with curves to spare.
A dating app's promise of forever...
Rhys is a mountain man who loves working with his hands as Suitor's Crossing's blacksmith—a hometown he's proud of despite its fascination with a ridiculous romantic myth. But there's one thing he's missing... A woman to call his own.
When an online match is made, a blind date is all that stands between this short curvy girl and mountain man's path to happiness. But will their differing views on love ruin a chance at happily ever after?
A quick steamy read that's part of Hallie Bennett's new Suitor's Crossing series, a spin-off from the Lumberjacks of High Ridge, and the Valentine's Date series from AB Shared Worlds!
Tropes Included: Curvy Heroine; Mountain Man Hero; Size Difference (she's small/he's big); Small Town Romance
Willow is a curvy girl who dreams of being swept off her feet—to feel the heart sparks the small town of Suitor's Crossing is known for—especially after working with lovestruck brides at her friend's boutique for years. There's only one problem... No one seems to want a short woman with curves to spare.
A dating app's promise of forever...
Rhys is a mountain man who loves working with his hands as Suitor's Crossing's blacksmith—a hometown he's proud of despite its fascination with a ridiculous romantic myth. But there's one thing he's missing... A woman to call his own.
When an online match is made, a blind date is all that stands between this short curvy girl and mountain man's path to happiness. But will their differing views on love ruin a chance at happily ever after?
A quick steamy read that's part of Hallie Bennett's new Suitor's Crossing series, a spin-off from the Lumberjacks of High Ridge, and the Valentine's Date series from AB Shared Worlds!
Tropes Included: Curvy Heroine; Mountain Man Hero; Size Difference (she's small/he's big); Small Town Romance
69 pages, Kindle Edition
Published January 26, 2023
295 people are currently reading
193 people want to read
About the author
Hallie Bennett
64 books268 followersHallie prefers steamy, insta-love stories where the curvy girl finds love with a filthy-talking hero. And when she ran out of reading material, she decided to write her own stories. If you want a quick, hot read, she's your girl!
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Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 106 reviews
June 26, 2024
Note: Some of my goodreads shelves can be spoilers
Overall: 3.5 rounded to ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Readability: 📖📖📖📖
Feels: 🦋🦋🦋🦋
Emotional Depth: 💔💔💔
Sexual Tension: ⚡⚡⚡ (This is very instalust so not as much tension build up)
Romance: 💞💞💞
Sensuality: 💋💋💋💋
Sex Scene Length: 🍑🍑🍑
Steam Scale (Number of Sex Scenes): 🔥🔥
Humor: A bit
Perspective: first person from both hero and heroine
More character focused or plot focused? character
How did the speed of the story feel? fast
When mains are first on page together: It takes a bit – about 21% (chapter 2 of 9)
Cliffhanger: no, this ends with a happily ever after
Epilogue: yes, one year later
Format: read through kindle unlimited
(Descriptions found at end of my review)
Should I read in order?
I wouldn’t say it’s necessary. This is fine alone but there is some character overlap and the series flows together chronologically.
Basic plot:
Willow gets matched on a blind date with the local blacksmith
Give this a try if you want:
- contemporary romance
- small mountain town – Suitor’s Crossing
- almost a fated mates vibe for this series – the myth is that Suitor’s Crossing helps people find their ‘heart sparks’
- full figured heroine
- shorter novel
- size difference – he’s tall, she’s shorter
- hero wants a partner but doesn’t believe in love
- blacksmith hero
- dating app meet up
- romance reader heroine
- heroine works at a boutique
- medium steam – 2 full scenes
Ages:
- hero is around 30?, didn’t catch heroine
First line:
He did it.
My thoughts:
I liked this one! But I didn’t like it was much as book 1 in the series.
I struggled more with this hero. He doesn’t believe in love – in a shorter novel it was hard to get his childhood grief so he came off as a bit sullen to me and stuck in his ways. I needed a bit more solid of an understanding from his POV. I thought the ending was wrapped up a bit too easily and quickly for the angst of Rhys’s issues the whole book.
Overall though, super sweet and steamy instalove (or lust on Rhys’s part) small town romance if that is what you are in the mood for!
Endearments
Content warnings: These should be taken as a minimum of what to expect. It’s very possible I have missed some.
Locations of kisses/intimate scenes:
Extra stuff like what my review breakdown means, where to find me, and book clubs
Overall: 3.5 rounded to ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Readability: 📖📖📖📖
Feels: 🦋🦋🦋🦋
Emotional Depth: 💔💔💔
Sexual Tension: ⚡⚡⚡ (This is very instalust so not as much tension build up)
Romance: 💞💞💞
Sensuality: 💋💋💋💋
Sex Scene Length: 🍑🍑🍑
Steam Scale (Number of Sex Scenes): 🔥🔥
Humor: A bit
Perspective: first person from both hero and heroine
More character focused or plot focused? character
How did the speed of the story feel? fast
When mains are first on page together: It takes a bit – about 21% (chapter 2 of 9)
Cliffhanger: no, this ends with a happily ever after
Epilogue: yes, one year later
Format: read through kindle unlimited
(Descriptions found at end of my review)
Should I read in order?
I wouldn’t say it’s necessary. This is fine alone but there is some character overlap and the series flows together chronologically.
Basic plot:
Willow gets matched on a blind date with the local blacksmith
Give this a try if you want:
- contemporary romance
- small mountain town – Suitor’s Crossing
- almost a fated mates vibe for this series – the myth is that Suitor’s Crossing helps people find their ‘heart sparks’
- full figured heroine
- shorter novel
- size difference – he’s tall, she’s shorter
- hero wants a partner but doesn’t believe in love
- blacksmith hero
- dating app meet up
- romance reader heroine
- heroine works at a boutique
- medium steam – 2 full scenes
Ages:
- hero is around 30?, didn’t catch heroine
First line:
He did it.
My thoughts:
I liked this one! But I didn’t like it was much as book 1 in the series.
I struggled more with this hero. He doesn’t believe in love – in a shorter novel it was hard to get his childhood grief so he came off as a bit sullen to me and stuck in his ways. I needed a bit more solid of an understanding from his POV. I thought the ending was wrapped up a bit too easily and quickly for the angst of Rhys’s issues the whole book.
Overall though, super sweet and steamy instalove (or lust on Rhys’s part) small town romance if that is what you are in the mood for!
Endearments
Content warnings: These should be taken as a minimum of what to expect. It’s very possible I have missed some.
Locations of kisses/intimate scenes:
Extra stuff like what my review breakdown means, where to find me, and book clubs
July 27, 2023
Did I read the same book as everyone else? I was annoyed and cringed at every chapter
November 19, 2023
Ok I’m gonna give this a 1.75⭐️. I thought this was going to be a cute mountain man/small town story but instead it felt like a hallmark movie on acid and I cringed pretty much throughout it all. I get what they were trying to do, but it was just TOO MUCH! Sometimes a little less IS more! There were moments I cringed so hard I actually got full body shivers!
February 8, 2023
Rhys profile was submitted to a dating app that a woman in his hometown created... Mountain Men can find their Heart spark.... but Rhys doesn't believe in a heart spark or love all together. And guess who he matched with.. yepp Willow the romantic bookworm that works at a bridal shop.🥰 But Rhys is determined that love isn't real and he told everyone. Oh gosh he falls hard and fast, but can't see it and kind of botches his chance with Willow🙄 Instalove, sweet, steamy, romantic and safe with a sweet HEA 😍😍
January 29, 2023
This was so cute. I believe in soulmates so this gave me all the feels. The ending was great and feel good.
March 6, 2023
A heartwarming story about a blacksmith and a woman who works a the bride boutique in the small town that met on a blind date from a local dating app. The two has mutual friends but have never actually met each other even though they live in a small town, all though the blacksmith basically keeps to himself and the woman mainly goes to work and looks after her cat even though in her spare time she reads romantic novels.
The small town that they live in is known for romance, the town has a bridge that is suppose to be crossed to find you true love or what the locals like to call ‘heart spark’. During Valentine’s Day the town goes all out with decorations and a festival to bring people into their town.
The black smith is not into love or ‘heart spark’, he thinks all of that is fake. He believes that actions are the only truth, that true love and relationships never work out. The man’s parents got together because the were is true love and then his mother left for another true love when he was little, during the years his father still has feelings for her even though she left them. He decided at a young age that he wouldn’t be like his father. The woman is the exact opposite she believe in true love and of the ‘heart spark’. Her parents didn’t have the model relationship but she wanted the romance but she never though that she would ever get it because she wasn’t the right type that most men wanted since she was heavier set and she was a bit straight forward, she didn’t like playing games in a relationship.
The blacksmith texts the woman who the dating app paired him with even though he wasn’t the one who put himself on the app but his friend who just got engaged but he text her and made a date to meet at a restaurant in town. So they would know each other in the restaurant he was to bring a red carnation and she would wear a pair of white lace gloves. When the blacksmith walked into the restaurant he looked around the place but someone slammed into him, looking down a woman was on the floor he helps her up and come to find out it was his blind date. The get a table. They talk a little before they order and their food comes while they talk more and then eat and talk some more. He tells her how he is, he figure he should be straight forward even though he has been feeling some ever since they bumped into each other. The woman tries not to scare the man away with her feeling about love and the ‘heart spark’ but she can’t not tell him either so she decides that they should just go in with open minds and they both agree. After leaving they go for a walk and they kiss before he takes her to her car and tells her he will talk to her later.
It will be a couple of days before they make anymore plans. They go through their regular schedules and during the time they text back and forth. They make another date. He goes to her apartment for dinner. When he gets there she answered the door and finds her and her cat, he pets the cat. Making his way to the living room before he goes to the dining room to have dinner with her as the eat dinner they talk. After they eat she goes to clean up, he asks if she needs help but she tells him that she can do it. Following her to the kitchen he pins her at the sink and water splashes on her shirt and he kisses her from her neck up to her ear, whispering in her ear what he wants to do to her. Unbuttoning her shirt and undoing her as he kisses her and plays with her but the cat comes acting jealous. He helps her get her clothes back on the right way then they go to the living room to watch a movie and to cuddle. He leaves afterward, the two have strong feelings for the other.
They keep seeing each other often for a couple of weeks. He goes to her apartment again and while there he get a call, after the call he seems like something is wrong so she asks him about it but he won’t answer and tells her that he has to go, that had to do about his father. The next day she gets dressed and goes to his work, she goes to them and they have sex right where he works. After they get into an argument and she leaves. She was trying to get him to realize that all of his action has shown her that he could love her but he didn’t want to hear it that the only thing that he could give her was respect, kindness and sex but that didn’t equal love.
Time passes and they don’t see or talk to one another. He goes to his friends. He’s making the friends wedding bands for his wedding but he realizes that it’s not the reason why the friend had him come over. The friend tells him about his fiance had him bring him there to talk to him about her friend that he hurt. The friend starts asking him question after question as he starts answering him and while he’s answering them he realizes that he was treating her like she would do to him what his mother did to his father. He doesn’t know how to fix his mistaken.
It’s the day of the festival and the woman is suppose to be at a booth for the wedding boutique but she couldn’t handle it so she asked her friend take her place. Right know she’s at the bridge, looking at the water as it’s raining when all of the sudden she hears a voice and it’s the blacksmith they talk and then he tells her that he believes he could fall in love with her and the he believes that she could be his ‘heart spark’. That’s enough for her. She accepts his apology and tells him that she’s sorry too. That she didn’t mean to corner him. They kiss, it feels different than before but she doesn’t know how or why it’s different but it is. She knows the day will live forever branded on her heart as the perfect Valentine’s Day Kiss. A kiss from her ‘heart spark’.
A year later they’re both a the festival, her with the wedding boutique and him with a booth with he metal hearts that he made. A man passes by that’s a skeptic of the ‘heart spark’. The blacksmith along with the woman talked to the man about it. The man was looking for the booth for the florist and the woman points it out to him. The woman loves him and she’s his ‘heart spark’.
Beautiful characters and a great page turning that’s easy to read. A sweet romantic short story that’s a happily ever after ending.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
The small town that they live in is known for romance, the town has a bridge that is suppose to be crossed to find you true love or what the locals like to call ‘heart spark’. During Valentine’s Day the town goes all out with decorations and a festival to bring people into their town.
The black smith is not into love or ‘heart spark’, he thinks all of that is fake. He believes that actions are the only truth, that true love and relationships never work out. The man’s parents got together because the were is true love and then his mother left for another true love when he was little, during the years his father still has feelings for her even though she left them. He decided at a young age that he wouldn’t be like his father. The woman is the exact opposite she believe in true love and of the ‘heart spark’. Her parents didn’t have the model relationship but she wanted the romance but she never though that she would ever get it because she wasn’t the right type that most men wanted since she was heavier set and she was a bit straight forward, she didn’t like playing games in a relationship.
The blacksmith texts the woman who the dating app paired him with even though he wasn’t the one who put himself on the app but his friend who just got engaged but he text her and made a date to meet at a restaurant in town. So they would know each other in the restaurant he was to bring a red carnation and she would wear a pair of white lace gloves. When the blacksmith walked into the restaurant he looked around the place but someone slammed into him, looking down a woman was on the floor he helps her up and come to find out it was his blind date. The get a table. They talk a little before they order and their food comes while they talk more and then eat and talk some more. He tells her how he is, he figure he should be straight forward even though he has been feeling some ever since they bumped into each other. The woman tries not to scare the man away with her feeling about love and the ‘heart spark’ but she can’t not tell him either so she decides that they should just go in with open minds and they both agree. After leaving they go for a walk and they kiss before he takes her to her car and tells her he will talk to her later.
It will be a couple of days before they make anymore plans. They go through their regular schedules and during the time they text back and forth. They make another date. He goes to her apartment for dinner. When he gets there she answered the door and finds her and her cat, he pets the cat. Making his way to the living room before he goes to the dining room to have dinner with her as the eat dinner they talk. After they eat she goes to clean up, he asks if she needs help but she tells him that she can do it. Following her to the kitchen he pins her at the sink and water splashes on her shirt and he kisses her from her neck up to her ear, whispering in her ear what he wants to do to her. Unbuttoning her shirt and undoing her as he kisses her and plays with her but the cat comes acting jealous. He helps her get her clothes back on the right way then they go to the living room to watch a movie and to cuddle. He leaves afterward, the two have strong feelings for the other.
They keep seeing each other often for a couple of weeks. He goes to her apartment again and while there he get a call, after the call he seems like something is wrong so she asks him about it but he won’t answer and tells her that he has to go, that had to do about his father. The next day she gets dressed and goes to his work, she goes to them and they have sex right where he works. After they get into an argument and she leaves. She was trying to get him to realize that all of his action has shown her that he could love her but he didn’t want to hear it that the only thing that he could give her was respect, kindness and sex but that didn’t equal love.
Time passes and they don’t see or talk to one another. He goes to his friends. He’s making the friends wedding bands for his wedding but he realizes that it’s not the reason why the friend had him come over. The friend tells him about his fiance had him bring him there to talk to him about her friend that he hurt. The friend starts asking him question after question as he starts answering him and while he’s answering them he realizes that he was treating her like she would do to him what his mother did to his father. He doesn’t know how to fix his mistaken.
It’s the day of the festival and the woman is suppose to be at a booth for the wedding boutique but she couldn’t handle it so she asked her friend take her place. Right know she’s at the bridge, looking at the water as it’s raining when all of the sudden she hears a voice and it’s the blacksmith they talk and then he tells her that he believes he could fall in love with her and the he believes that she could be his ‘heart spark’. That’s enough for her. She accepts his apology and tells him that she’s sorry too. That she didn’t mean to corner him. They kiss, it feels different than before but she doesn’t know how or why it’s different but it is. She knows the day will live forever branded on her heart as the perfect Valentine’s Day Kiss. A kiss from her ‘heart spark’.
A year later they’re both a the festival, her with the wedding boutique and him with a booth with he metal hearts that he made. A man passes by that’s a skeptic of the ‘heart spark’. The blacksmith along with the woman talked to the man about it. The man was looking for the booth for the florist and the woman points it out to him. The woman loves him and she’s his ‘heart spark’.
Beautiful characters and a great page turning that’s easy to read. A sweet romantic short story that’s a happily ever after ending.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
July 24, 2023
My reviews always contain spoilers, I write them so I can remember the story.
3.5/5 stars (HFN ending)
Heart sparks are a legend in Suitor’s Crossing about finding your one true love. It’s only briefly mentioned in the first book, it’s a major plot point in this book.
Willow works at a bridal boutique and firmly believes in heart sparks and is a true romantic. She’s waiting for her one true love.
Rhys is a blacksmith who doesn’t believe in love. He thinks all the heart spark stuff is nonsense. His mom said his dad was his heart spark but when he was little she abandoned him and his dad for another man.
When her friend Luna‘s dating app matches Willow with Rhys she’s excited to meet him. Rhys’s friend King signs him up on the app wanting him to have what he has with his bunny, his true love.
They both message through the app and decide to meet at a restaurant. Willow literally runs into Rhys, they both like what they see and spend the evening getting to know one another. He lets her know that he doesn’t believe in the heart spark and doesn’t believe in love. She’s hesitant but decides she wants him and want to gives them a shot.
He’s a good boyfriend and things are going well, until he gets some calls from his dad. He’s distracted and leaves their date early to go talk to his dad. (His dad never got over his mom leaving him, he still misses her and during holidays or their past milestones still gets maudlin over her.)
After weeks of dating they still have not had sex yet so Willow decides to seduce him at his forge. He’s happy to see her and they have sex on his work table. In a state of post orgasmic high Willow says, “And you say you don’t believe in love”, this sets Rhys off. He tells her he knew she would expect him to believe in love and the heart spark when he specifically told her he wouldn’t be changing him mind. She realizes her mistake in thinking he could love her and leaves.
Rhys’s friend King talks to him and tells him he’s letting his parents failure at marriage dictate his life, he needs to man up and go get his girl.
He finds Willow on the town heart spark bridge on Valentine’s Day he apologizes and tells he he was an idiot, she tells him he was up front and she understands. He explains and tells her he believes he could fall in love with her and she could be his heart spark.
Epilogue one year later with them together still and him freely admitting to being in love with Willow and her being his heart spark. Don’t think they are married. I’m hoping we will see their relationship progress in the next book. Which is Luna’s turn to find her heart spark with Austin, he’s ex-military turned bar owner.
The book ends with a more happy for now, I liked how practical Willow was even though she wanted romance. Although a part of me was sad for her, she deserved the flowers, candles, and sweet love words. Hopefully Rhys got better at it and gave her romance.
3.5/5 stars (HFN ending)
Heart sparks are a legend in Suitor’s Crossing about finding your one true love. It’s only briefly mentioned in the first book, it’s a major plot point in this book.
Willow works at a bridal boutique and firmly believes in heart sparks and is a true romantic. She’s waiting for her one true love.
Rhys is a blacksmith who doesn’t believe in love. He thinks all the heart spark stuff is nonsense. His mom said his dad was his heart spark but when he was little she abandoned him and his dad for another man.
When her friend Luna‘s dating app matches Willow with Rhys she’s excited to meet him. Rhys’s friend King signs him up on the app wanting him to have what he has with his bunny, his true love.
They both message through the app and decide to meet at a restaurant. Willow literally runs into Rhys, they both like what they see and spend the evening getting to know one another. He lets her know that he doesn’t believe in the heart spark and doesn’t believe in love. She’s hesitant but decides she wants him and want to gives them a shot.
He’s a good boyfriend and things are going well, until he gets some calls from his dad. He’s distracted and leaves their date early to go talk to his dad. (His dad never got over his mom leaving him, he still misses her and during holidays or their past milestones still gets maudlin over her.)
After weeks of dating they still have not had sex yet so Willow decides to seduce him at his forge. He’s happy to see her and they have sex on his work table. In a state of post orgasmic high Willow says, “And you say you don’t believe in love”, this sets Rhys off. He tells her he knew she would expect him to believe in love and the heart spark when he specifically told her he wouldn’t be changing him mind. She realizes her mistake in thinking he could love her and leaves.
Rhys’s friend King talks to him and tells him he’s letting his parents failure at marriage dictate his life, he needs to man up and go get his girl.
He finds Willow on the town heart spark bridge on Valentine’s Day he apologizes and tells he he was an idiot, she tells him he was up front and she understands. He explains and tells her he believes he could fall in love with her and she could be his heart spark.
Epilogue one year later with them together still and him freely admitting to being in love with Willow and her being his heart spark. Don’t think they are married. I’m hoping we will see their relationship progress in the next book. Which is Luna’s turn to find her heart spark with Austin, he’s ex-military turned bar owner.
The book ends with a more happy for now, I liked how practical Willow was even though she wanted romance. Although a part of me was sad for her, she deserved the flowers, candles, and sweet love words. Hopefully Rhys got better at it and gave her romance.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 3, 2023
3ish ⭐️'s
I didn't necessarily dislike this book... but I probably wouldn't read it again.
Now, this is a "Me thing" that I don't like instalove stories. Well, being a short story, I kind of figured that's what I was going into. I feel nothing for any of the characters. Willow's whole personality was romance, books, and cats (which...ok... valid). Rhys' personality was anti-love and mommy issues.
They matched on a dating app and were into each other pretty quickly. Willow is all about finding her heart spark, and Rhys is mad at his mom for leaving his Dad (whom she had claimed was her heart spark). Heart sparks are the towns version of soulmates, I think? Anyway, they work out for a couple of weeks... But when Willow tries to make Rhys admit he believes in love in some way, he lashes out on her and basically tells her he'd be with her, and she was good for sex but he couldn't be her "heart spark". Yikes.
But it's ok, guys, because his friend calls him out on it, convinces him in 5 minutes to release 30 years of insecurities, and Willow forgives him immediately... and they live happily ever after.
The premise of the story had a good foundation, but the devil is in the details, and the details were lacking. I would've liked to see a longer book with more brought to each character. The spicy scenes needed some work, too, as the writing in those spots was cringey. Based on this book alone, I am just not enticed to try the rest of the series. It wasn't for me.
I didn't necessarily dislike this book... but I probably wouldn't read it again.
Now, this is a "Me thing" that I don't like instalove stories. Well, being a short story, I kind of figured that's what I was going into. I feel nothing for any of the characters. Willow's whole personality was romance, books, and cats (which...ok... valid). Rhys' personality was anti-love and mommy issues.
They matched on a dating app and were into each other pretty quickly. Willow is all about finding her heart spark, and Rhys is mad at his mom for leaving his Dad (whom she had claimed was her heart spark). Heart sparks are the towns version of soulmates, I think? Anyway, they work out for a couple of weeks... But when Willow tries to make Rhys admit he believes in love in some way, he lashes out on her and basically tells her he'd be with her, and she was good for sex but he couldn't be her "heart spark". Yikes.
But it's ok, guys, because his friend calls him out on it, convinces him in 5 minutes to release 30 years of insecurities, and Willow forgives him immediately... and they live happily ever after.
The premise of the story had a good foundation, but the devil is in the details, and the details were lacking. I would've liked to see a longer book with more brought to each character. The spicy scenes needed some work, too, as the writing in those spots was cringey. Based on this book alone, I am just not enticed to try the rest of the series. It wasn't for me.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 22, 2023
This was a short and sweet novella where opposites attract, at least in the philosophical sense of love.
Rhys, a reclusive blacksmith, has a negative relationship with love. He lives in a town where love and heart sparks (e.g., soulmates) abound. It's what the town is known for. His mother and father fell in love as teenagers, claiming they were each other's heart sparks. Unfortunately, his mother fell in love with another man, leaving Rhys and his dad alone. Rhys' childhood trauma has prevented him from forming real relationships and getting too close to others. In other words, he has some strong mommy issues.
Willow, a believer in love and heart sparks, has been longing for a love of her own. She works in a bridal boutique and is surrounded by people falling in love. Growing up, Willow rarely received attention or praise from her family. This has led to insecurities where she needs words of affirmation and actions - not just one or the other.
Rhys and Willow meet through a dating app. They had an instant connection. She believes he's her heart spark. He doesn't believe in love, but he knows he'll be unable to let her go. I enjoyed the way they learned about each other. For all Rhys' aversion to love, he sure does know how to spout some romantic lines. He also has a deliciously filthy mouth.
I'm looking forward to Luna's story!
Rhys, a reclusive blacksmith, has a negative relationship with love. He lives in a town where love and heart sparks (e.g., soulmates) abound. It's what the town is known for. His mother and father fell in love as teenagers, claiming they were each other's heart sparks. Unfortunately, his mother fell in love with another man, leaving Rhys and his dad alone. Rhys' childhood trauma has prevented him from forming real relationships and getting too close to others. In other words, he has some strong mommy issues.
Willow, a believer in love and heart sparks, has been longing for a love of her own. She works in a bridal boutique and is surrounded by people falling in love. Growing up, Willow rarely received attention or praise from her family. This has led to insecurities where she needs words of affirmation and actions - not just one or the other.
Rhys and Willow meet through a dating app. They had an instant connection. She believes he's her heart spark. He doesn't believe in love, but he knows he'll be unable to let her go. I enjoyed the way they learned about each other. For all Rhys' aversion to love, he sure does know how to spout some romantic lines. He also has a deliciously filthy mouth.
I'm looking forward to Luna's story!
January 31, 2023
A Date with a Mountain Man by Hallie Bennett is Book 2 of the Mountain Men of Suitor’s Crossing, as well as part of the AB Shared World Valentine’s Date Series. The novella features a fast paced sweet and spicy opposites attract romance between Willow and Rhys. They live in a town with a legend about “heart sparks” or soulmates that Willow believes wholeheartedly in. Rhys, on the other hand, is jaded by his mother’s abandonment of the family, leading him to be anti-love. They meet through a blind dating app, and have an immediate attraction. Willow feels she has met her heart spark, but Rhys is clear about what he can offer her. Can two people with opposing views on love build a lasting relationship? Or will Rhys’ past hurts doom them?
I really enjoyed these two characters and the way they were presented. Sometimes in a really short story, it’s difficult to evoke feelings for the characters, but that wasn’t the case here. I understood why Rhys felt the way he did, and also why Willow needed what she needed. I was definitely sucked in. I wasn’t aware that the book was part of another series prior to reading it, but the other characters were present enough that I didn’t feel lost, although I’m interested in going back now. The world building is great with the town and the friends, which gives way to witty banter, which I love. And, key to any romance is the chemistry, and Rhys and Willow had plenty of that! The book had two epilogues, but the second one focuses solely on the next book in the Mountain Men of Suitor’s Crossing series, which does look interesting.
I received an advanced review copy for free, and am leaving this review voluntarily.⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
I really enjoyed these two characters and the way they were presented. Sometimes in a really short story, it’s difficult to evoke feelings for the characters, but that wasn’t the case here. I understood why Rhys felt the way he did, and also why Willow needed what she needed. I was definitely sucked in. I wasn’t aware that the book was part of another series prior to reading it, but the other characters were present enough that I didn’t feel lost, although I’m interested in going back now. The world building is great with the town and the friends, which gives way to witty banter, which I love. And, key to any romance is the chemistry, and Rhys and Willow had plenty of that! The book had two epilogues, but the second one focuses solely on the next book in the Mountain Men of Suitor’s Crossing series, which does look interesting.
I received an advanced review copy for free, and am leaving this review voluntarily.⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
February 11, 2023
OMG I Absolutely Loved Willow, Rhys and Carrot!!! ❤️❤️❤️
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Review
Ugh my poor heart. This is my first book by Hallie Bennett and she has definitely won me over with her Mountain Man romance. Mountain of a Man to be exact, and the curvy FMC she paired him with, both were phenomenal characters even with their different opinions on love and soul mates aka Heart Sparks.
Willow is a single woman who works at a bridal boutique and sees couples finding love everyday…..if only she could find her true love. Rhys is a man who thanks to his mom doesn’t believe love is real and doesn’t have any issue letting it be known he won’t ever love anyone. He’ll respect them, protect them, care for them, and give them orgasms galore but never love. Then he meets Willow and his entire world turns upside down and his beliefs are questioned.
These two had an instant connection and attraction and their chemistry let’s just say it’s off the charts. They both find what they desperately want and need with each other and get a HEA they both desire, the HEA isn’t instant some lessons must be learned and realized first of course. This was a fantastic and beautiful Valentines Novella and highly recommend it!!
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Review
Ugh my poor heart. This is my first book by Hallie Bennett and she has definitely won me over with her Mountain Man romance. Mountain of a Man to be exact, and the curvy FMC she paired him with, both were phenomenal characters even with their different opinions on love and soul mates aka Heart Sparks.
Willow is a single woman who works at a bridal boutique and sees couples finding love everyday…..if only she could find her true love. Rhys is a man who thanks to his mom doesn’t believe love is real and doesn’t have any issue letting it be known he won’t ever love anyone. He’ll respect them, protect them, care for them, and give them orgasms galore but never love. Then he meets Willow and his entire world turns upside down and his beliefs are questioned.
These two had an instant connection and attraction and their chemistry let’s just say it’s off the charts. They both find what they desperately want and need with each other and get a HEA they both desire, the HEA isn’t instant some lessons must be learned and realized first of course. This was a fantastic and beautiful Valentines Novella and highly recommend it!!
February 4, 2023
The first title I have read by Hallie Bennett, A Date with the Mountain Man has made me a fan. Rhys, a blacksmith, is more than cynical when it comes to love - and living in Suitor's Crossing, where the entire town believes in soulmates, or as they call them, heart sparks, doesn't help. However, when his friend sets him up on the town's newest dating app, he sets up a date with his match. Willow works in a bridal store and as a lover of romance novels, she believes in everything Suitor's Crossing promises. The moment she meets Rhys on their blind date, she is convinced he could be her heart spark - even after her admits he doesn't believe in any of that stuff. Will their chemistry and his actions be enough for them to forge something real, or will his lack of belief stop things before they can even really get started? A steamy, swoon-y, perfect-for-Valentine's-Day romance well worth a read.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
August 12, 2023
So Sweet😁
Who wouldn't want to live in this town. So many lonely mountain men, who know how to show their appreciation for a girl. No matter if she doesn't fit the skinny trend society pushes at them. Willow is grounded, in that she will accept, and be grateful for a steady man who loves, and respects her. She would love to find her hearts spark, but, not really expecting it. Rhys wants nothing to do with the whole hearts spark nonsense, because of a family past event. The Sparks fly when they meet. Both feel it, but he says he just wants the physical side, and he'll promise fidelity, and support financially. Just don't expect flowers, and sappy love talk. She wants him, but she feels like she needs the words, from him, and she wants him to accept them from her. It takes a buddy to talk straight to him, because he's about to blow any chance of happiness out for stubborn pride.
Who wouldn't want to live in this town. So many lonely mountain men, who know how to show their appreciation for a girl. No matter if she doesn't fit the skinny trend society pushes at them. Willow is grounded, in that she will accept, and be grateful for a steady man who loves, and respects her. She would love to find her hearts spark, but, not really expecting it. Rhys wants nothing to do with the whole hearts spark nonsense, because of a family past event. The Sparks fly when they meet. Both feel it, but he says he just wants the physical side, and he'll promise fidelity, and support financially. Just don't expect flowers, and sappy love talk. She wants him, but she feels like she needs the words, from him, and she wants him to accept them from her. It takes a buddy to talk straight to him, because he's about to blow any chance of happiness out for stubborn pride.
January 21, 2023
Finding love through a dating app in a small town community.
Willow worked in a bridal boutique where she's surrounded by tales of brides' love lives and longed to find a love of her own.
Rhys, a mountain man and a blacksmith, lived in the shadow of his parents' failed marriage and kept a strong wall around his heart.
Meeting through a match in a dating app, they had instant connection but Rhys refused to acknowledged his feelings. Don't worry, things were resolved in the end and the couple got an HEA.
Personally, I feel like this plotline suited a novel more than a novella — to explore the character's emotions and thoughts etc.
Overall, it was a short, steamy and sweet read for an afternoon during the weekend.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Willow worked in a bridal boutique where she's surrounded by tales of brides' love lives and longed to find a love of her own.
Rhys, a mountain man and a blacksmith, lived in the shadow of his parents' failed marriage and kept a strong wall around his heart.
Meeting through a match in a dating app, they had instant connection but Rhys refused to acknowledged his feelings. Don't worry, things were resolved in the end and the couple got an HEA.
Personally, I feel like this plotline suited a novel more than a novella — to explore the character's emotions and thoughts etc.
Overall, it was a short, steamy and sweet read for an afternoon during the weekend.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
January 21, 2023
This was a sweet and quick read told in first person POV by both the male and female main characters. This story will have you feeling all sorts of emotions from instant attraction, lust, hurt, realization, making amends to love with laugh out loud moments.
I loved that Rhys and Willow are completely opposite from each other. I loved that Willow and Rhys could get each other out of their comfort zones. I loved the side characters and the bond between everyone.
This can be read as a standalone, but it is part of a series that is told by different authors as well as a part of a series by this author. I haven’t read any of the books in either series besides this one, and wasn’t confused, but I do think it will be enjoyed more if read in order, since characters from previous books are a big part of this one. I can’t wait for the next book to come out!
I loved that Rhys and Willow are completely opposite from each other. I loved that Willow and Rhys could get each other out of their comfort zones. I loved the side characters and the bond between everyone.
This can be read as a standalone, but it is part of a series that is told by different authors as well as a part of a series by this author. I haven’t read any of the books in either series besides this one, and wasn’t confused, but I do think it will be enjoyed more if read in order, since characters from previous books are a big part of this one. I can’t wait for the next book to come out!
January 25, 2023
The series of the small town of Suitors Crossing with the heart spark bridge. Most of the local citizens really believe in the legend, but there was an occasional one like the local blacksmith, Rhys that thought, it was total hogwash. He was not having luck finding a soul mate, because he did not believe in love so his friend, King signed him up on a dating app where he met Willow. Their first in person meeting was full of interesting sparks and humor. Willow was a true believer in the heart spark legend, but she did feel the draw between her and Rhy. A relationship with the amount of chemistry they shared was worth fighting for. Rhy was a complex individual with many layers to him. Enjoy this exceptional read as Rhy learns love does exist in the world.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
January 26, 2023
In a place like Suitor’s Crossing you can’t help but believe in heart sparks even if they are sometimes hard to find.
Big, burley and a bit jaded Rhys didn’t believe in the town lure no matter what. But the moment his blind date with Willow gives him the feels he decides doubling down was better than falling.
Willow was all in for romance it just hasn’t worked in her favor, yet. But ever believer she just need to nudge it along with the help of an app. Rhys is the dreamy mountain of a man that she has only read about.
Their romance is a whirlwind and they click like no other and their story was oh so sweet. Once I started I didn’t stop until it was finished. If you love a sweet HEA this will make you smile.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Big, burley and a bit jaded Rhys didn’t believe in the town lure no matter what. But the moment his blind date with Willow gives him the feels he decides doubling down was better than falling.
Willow was all in for romance it just hasn’t worked in her favor, yet. But ever believer she just need to nudge it along with the help of an app. Rhys is the dreamy mountain of a man that she has only read about.
Their romance is a whirlwind and they click like no other and their story was oh so sweet. Once I started I didn’t stop until it was finished. If you love a sweet HEA this will make you smile.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
January 23, 2023
I won't lie, Rhys really grated on my nerves.
I can understand to a point that his past would have an effect on how he views love and relationships. However, I couldn't stand the fact that he kept comparing ALL the women he might've been able to have a relationship with to his mother. Before things even got started he was already writing them off for anything more than just one night because they mention wanting what all women seem to want...love.
Willow is that kind of woman. She has dreams of having stability and a family that she felt she was denied of as a kid. While Rhys comes out and tells Willow his view on love from the beginning she knows that in his own way she shows people he cares for them, but maybe doesn't realize it.
Are these two doomed before they even begin?.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I can understand to a point that his past would have an effect on how he views love and relationships. However, I couldn't stand the fact that he kept comparing ALL the women he might've been able to have a relationship with to his mother. Before things even got started he was already writing them off for anything more than just one night because they mention wanting what all women seem to want...love.
Willow is that kind of woman. She has dreams of having stability and a family that she felt she was denied of as a kid. While Rhys comes out and tells Willow his view on love from the beginning she knows that in his own way she shows people he cares for them, but maybe doesn't realize it.
Are these two doomed before they even begin?.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
January 26, 2023
I loved A Date with the Mountain Man. Willow believes in the spark, she believes in love and soul mates. Rhys thinks love isn’t real, he wants a partner but they better not spout about love. The second he sees Willow he’s smitten but it’s not love, he will not fall in love become he doesn’t believe in it. Willow knew how he felt but she fell anyways and now she has no one to blame for her broken heart but herself. She should have known better. Will Rhys realize his mistake in letting Willow go before it’s too late? Such a sweet storyline and I love the characters. It’s a quick and easy read. I would definitely recommend this book and the series.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
January 27, 2023
Willow is our curvy girl who wants a man to sweep her off of her feet for a happily ever after, but so far, there's no luck in that department. Her job working with brides doesn't help either to be honest as she's a spectator to all kinds of love for others. Rhys is our mountain man who has a happy life with one exception, he wants a woman of his own despite the fact that he doesn't share the same views on love as the town he lives in. Willow & Rhys match up on a dating app, and they're perfect for each other, but there's that whole differing views on love could derail them from a happily ever after. In order to see how it all plays out, you'll have hit those one click buttons because I'll never tell. HIGHLY RECOMMEND!
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January 12, 2023Rhys doesn't believe in love. He has a shield around his. But living in a small town built on a folklore romance and friends who are finding their forever might change his mind....maybe???
Willow is a romantic at heart. Loves her love stories, her small town, her cat and her friends. I felt for her and wanted her to find it. But it's hard when people only see the outside. She's hopeful when she gets a match on a local date app. Too bad he is so anti love.
Their romance is quick but well paced. Love them together and how each helped the other get out of their own heads. Small town romance done right. I received an ARC for an honest and voluntarily review.
Willow is a romantic at heart. Loves her love stories, her small town, her cat and her friends. I felt for her and wanted her to find it. But it's hard when people only see the outside. She's hopeful when she gets a match on a local date app. Too bad he is so anti love.
Their romance is quick but well paced. Love them together and how each helped the other get out of their own heads. Small town romance done right. I received an ARC for an honest and voluntarily review.
January 28, 2023
In this short novella we meet Rhys and Willow who live in a small town that has quite a few Valentine (heart sparks) events. Willow works in a bridal salon and loves to read romance novel and is desperately searching for someone who will accept a plus size girl. Rhys is a blacksmith whose mother left him and his father for another man. So Rhys isn’t looking for love but a honest respectful relationship. Rhys and Willow match up on a dating app. Will willow compromise her beliefs to be with Rhys? Or will Rhys be able to overcome his issues and fall in love with Willow? Great plot with some steamy moments.
January 30, 2023
This was a well written book detailing how finding your soul mate can change your life. Rhys is hellbent on staying as far away from the towns notion of “heart sparks” and love. He’s a grumpy, sexy blacksmith who has no problem expressing what he expects, even if it is an a skewed version of things.
Willow is all sunshine and goodness and believes everyone has a someone out there… Even if it hasn’t come for her yet. A series of events leads them down a path neither one had any idea would lead to something. There’s not a whole lot of spice, but what was in there for in with the outline of the book perfectly
Willow is all sunshine and goodness and believes everyone has a someone out there… Even if it hasn’t come for her yet. A series of events leads them down a path neither one had any idea would lead to something. There’s not a whole lot of spice, but what was in there for in with the outline of the book perfectly
January 30, 2023
I received an ARC from the author and am voluntarily leaving my review. I thought that this was a fun, opposites attract, love story. Rhys doesn't want to believe in love even though he lives in a town where it's part of the charm. Willow knows that love is real and hopes to find her special someone. She just cannot understand how she could be matched with someone who doesn't want the same. Rhys will have to realign his thinking if he wants to keep the only woman who makes him believe something more. Overall, I liked the story with the humor, conflict, friendships and passion. Rhys was a little hard to like at moments but he grew on me
January 11, 2023
I enjoyed the book 'A Date with a Mountain Man' by Hallie Bennett very much. I enjoy the atmosphere of the town which is centered on friendliness and love and the characters in the story are wonderful people. The stories are about how each couple finds their "heart spark", that special someone for them. I think each one shows a timid tenderness and sensitivity. I am eagerly looking forward to the next story of Luna and Austin.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
January 12, 2023
'A Date with the Mountain Man' was a sweet short story. The interesting plot focused on two people, Rhys and Willow, who were trying to find their "heart spark" very close to Valentine's Day. Well, Willow tried because she was a romantic at heart, had read a ton of romance novels, and had fantasized about her book boyfriends to boot. Rhys, on the other hand, was the Scrooge of not believing in them. What could possibly happen in this scenario? I liked the narrative.
I received a copy for free, and I am voluntarily giving my honest review.
I received a copy for free, and I am voluntarily giving my honest review.
January 15, 2023
One mountain man who doesn’t believe in love and one bridal worker who desperately wants to find it. Matched on a dating app these two click immediately but Rhys doesn’t believe in love even though their town is famous for their heart sparks because his mom abandoned him and his father. When he finally realizes what he feels it may be too late to get Willow back.
I enjoyed this book and can not wait for the next one!.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I enjoyed this book and can not wait for the next one!.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
January 23, 2023
Willow and Rhys meet on a dating app and it's love at first sight. It's obvious that they are meant for each other, and they have great chemistry. Rhys doesn't believe in love, but we all know it exists and how this lovely story will end, don't we? I enjoyed this easy, quick read with its sweet HEA. It looks like the next book in the series will be about Austin and Luna, and I'm sure it will be equally enjoyable, based on my previous experience with books by this author.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
January 26, 2023
Rhys and Willow's story greatly adds to the Suitor Crossing Mountain Man Series. They and an instant-love and a slow burn simultaneously; the spice build with them and help their relationship develop over time. They have great chemistry and dialogue; Carrot is a cute addition, and seeing old favourite characters and meeting new ones for upcoming books is fun. My only issue was hearing the term "heart sparks"; it was mentioned 28 times; it was a bit much, yes, I know it is what the town is famous for, but at some point, it's overkill.
January 14, 2023
This was good! I liked that we got a back story on Rhys. I liked watching him wrestle with who he thought he was and who he could actually be. The reality of compromise is in this book, and that makes it much more relatable.
Willow's character is fun and you want to take her out to coffee. I want to sit with her and hear her stories from the bridal shop.
This was overall a fun read that was quick and cozy.
Willow's character is fun and you want to take her out to coffee. I want to sit with her and hear her stories from the bridal shop.
This was overall a fun read that was quick and cozy.
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